To Catch A Fallen Spy (Brethren of the Coast Book 8) (5 page)

“Lord Raynesford, to what do I owe the honor of your company?” Ross remained collected, as if he did not comprehend what brought the marquess to the offices of the Counterintelligence Corps.

“Dispense with the pleasantries and the innocent act, Ross.” Adopting an aggressive stance, Lance folded his arms. “You know precisely what brings me here, thus I need not waste my breath explaining myself.”

“What would you have me do?” How could Lance be so blind? Did he not see the connection Ross shared with Elaine? “Your cousin is a strong, willful woman, and she is adept at hiding in plain sight. Despite our attempts to guard her, I suspected she would evade Agent Barrett at the first opportunity, and I was right.”

“So you lied when you gave me your word you would not pursue Elaine.” To Ross’s surprise, Lance bared his teeth. “Honor demands I call you out, and nothing would give me greater satisfaction than an appointment at dawn, on Paddington Green.”

“What stops you?” The last thing Ross wanted was to duel Elaine’s relation, but apparently Lance opted to ignore the gravity of the situation. “As I am more than willing to accommodate you, if necessary, given I will do anything to protect Lady Elaine.”

“Do not tempt me, Ross, as even I have limits.” Lance shook his head. “But it would destroy Elaine, and my wife would never forgive me.”

“Presuming you survive the encounter.” No, Ross could not resist baiting the estimable marquess. “So where does that leave us?”

“Trying to form a compromise.” The aristocrat arched a brow. “One that positions you far from my charge, as I will not have you put her at greater risk.”

“Believe me, I would never hurt her.” The mere thought of the petite woman in distress inspired intense rage. “Not that I am interested, but for the sake of clarity in our negotiations, why do you consider me a threat to Lady Elaine?”

“Rebecca.”

In the blink of an eye, Ross journeyed to the past, to a seaside estate along the coast of Portsmouth. A nude body, bearing the ugly marks of torture and a vicious manacle fastened about the neck, attached to a heavy chain and anchored by an iron pike, listed in the incoming tide.

“That was a low blow.” Ross shook free from the morbid reverie. “Might I point out that Lady Elaine is no spy, and I would go to my grave before I let Waddlington near her.”

“Do you really think that matters?” With a sigh, Lance speared his fingers through his hair and stomped to the window. “Varringdale knew not of Rebecca’s alternate persona,
L’araignee
, by which she served the Crown, yet he kidnapped, abused, and all but executed her. To this day, the horrors she endured haunt me, as I can never erase from my mind the shameful condition in which we found her. Can you imagine Elaine thus treated, given her gentle disposition?”

“You really do not know Lady Elaine, as she possesses unrivaled intelligence, nerves of steel, and a courageous spirit.” And Ross adored her for it, but he would not share that bit of information. “She is no shrinking wallflower, answering to society’s beck and call. Rather, she exhibits shrewd acumen and chooses to make her own way, and I am proud of her independent nature.”

“You are proud—”

A knock at the door cut short Lance’s response, and Ross gritted his teeth. “Come.”

“Forgive the intrusion, Sir Ross.” The secretary stood at attention. “Your presence is requested at intake, as Lord Waddlington has surrendered at the Old Bailey.”

“Wait here.” Ross charged forth.

“Like bloody hell.” Lance again pushed aside Winston. “I will have a full accounting from that murderous bastard.”

“And just what do you intend?” Drawing on years of experience dealing with criminals, Ross came to an abrupt halt, turned, and confronted Lance. “If you think I will let you anywhere near Waddlington and jeopardize this case, you are seriously mistaken.”

“But I am Elaine’s legal guardian.”

“Which is precisely why I will not have you interfering in my interrogation of Lord Waddlington, should he choose to grant an interview.”

“Since when is it his choice?”

“Lord Raynesford, as an agent of His Majesty, I am tasked with upholding the law, and I excel at my work.” Standing toe to toe with Lance, Ross leashed his temper lest he end up manacled. “I will not permit you to hinder my investigation, as I vow to bring Waddlington to justice, so you will remain in my wake, and abide my requests, else I shall arrest you for obstruction. Am I clear?”

“Aye, but I am coming with you.” Which was just what Ross did not need, at the moment.

to catch a fallen spy

chapter three

A shrill note
signaled the start of an exercise in torture, which would test the limits of eardrums, patience, and polite decorum for the unfortunate audience. Despite the posh surroundings and elegant décor, one lady winced, a gentleman shuddered, and the hostess gazed at the ceiling, as everyone presented an air of calm. Yet, tension grew thick in the grand drawing room, especially when a certain performer made a brave but failed attempt to sing an accompaniment, which was a vast deal generous characterization for that disastrous performance. Gritting her teeth, and in desperate search of distraction from the day’s harrowing revelations, Elaine attended a musicale at the Hogart’s.

Given Lord Waddlington’s arrest and subsequent release, she needed a brief respite from the relentless glare of Lance’s worried gaze. But even in a crowd, she faltered, as word spread of her role in the demise of John Harris, and she found herself in the much distained social spotlight, imprisoned by intangible but nonetheless potent stares. The murmurs that welcomed her arrival heralded unwanted attention, the immediate vicinity seemed to advance in an ever-steady march, threatening to suffocate her, and she struggled to draw breath.

As everything spun out of control, she rubbed the back of her neck and stood. Before Agent Barrett could protest, she rushed between a slit in the drapery and into the shadows, wherein she strove for an escape and a familiar partner. Hugging the wall, she hurried to the makeshift refuge manifested by a dark corner and reached with outstretched hands for the one person who could offer comfort and succor, as she knew well his habits.

“Elaine, it is all right.” As she expected, Ross perched in the improvised haven, and he closed his arms about her, as she burrowed to his chest. “I am here, and you are safe, as I will let no harm befall you.”

For a few minutes, she reveled in his amity, and he did not deny her. The steady beat of his heart functioned as a countdown, of sorts, quelling her apprehension. With his thumb, he stroked the responsive skin at the base of her ear, and she nuzzled him.

“Why will you not sit beside me?” she whispered. “Why will you not accompany me, for all to see? Are you ashamed of me?”

“Never, as it is my honor just to be counted your acquaintance.” In his steadfast embrace, she relaxed, and he caressed her cheek. “But my presence would only add more drama to the situation, so I remain resolute from a distance.”

“Ross, I am frightened.” With that simple proclamation, Elaine broke. Never in her life had she been a weeper, but never had she encountered such dreadful torment—and the horrid predicament involving the murder of John Harris only heightened her sensitivity to the Hogart’s hellish production.

“But I am with you always, even when you cannot see me.” He tipped her chin. “Please, do not cry, as I cannot bear your tears.”

And then Ross did something she never would have predicted.

He kissed her.

Mouth to mouth, in a gentle but impenetrable bond, they soared, sharing a harmony of souls no mere mortal could best. Undaunted and unafraid, Elaine gave herself to her man, without restraint, as she licked and suckled his tongue. Soothing heat unfurled in her belly, leaving naught untouched from her head to her toes, and she grasped the hair at his nape. But all too soon, he ended their tender interlude and held her. And she clung to him, as the warmth of his exhalations teased her flesh, revealing a chink in his armor that bolstered her confidence.

Ross desired her.

“I thought you would never do that.” Although he declared otherwise, their first kiss, forever branded in her memory, had just betrayed him, and Elaine coveted that bit of knowledge as a priceless treasure. “Why did you stop?”

“Because I took liberties that are not mine to own, and I apologize.” Yet he did not release her. “But your melancholy slays me, I am concerned for your welfare, and I cannot resist you. I had to do something, and that seemed the best option.”

“I could not agree more.” But she suspected the day’s events troubled him, too. “What is going to happen, now that Lord Waddlington surrendered and lied in his official statement?” As he massaged her shoulders, she relaxed and sighed. “I know what I saw, and Waddlington committed a crime. It was not self-defense, as he claims, and I am not an, ‘ excessively emotional female with an exaggerated perspective of reality,’ as the barrister asserts. Lord Waddlington conversed with Harris, brandished a knife, and murdered the bastard son, without provocation.”

“I believe you.” Three pedestrian words when uttered on their own, but taken together as a single statement the elementary expression gave her strength. “And I surmise he will attempt to discredit you, by any means necessary, thus I shall remain vigilant in my watch, as you are the only thing standing between Lord Waddlington, Newgate prison, and a dance at Beilby’s ball.”

“Call me a coward, but I wish to go home.” At the prospect of facing the throng for dinner, she shivered. “Will you take me to Raynesford House?”

“No, and you are not leaving.” To her delight, Ross claimed her mouth, hard and fast. “You will give no one the satisfaction of retreat. Instead, you will adopt a posture of unimpaired aplomb and enjoy the evening to spite those who would celebrate your distress, as so-called genteel society can be quite cruel.”

“All right.” The screech of abused violin strings inspired a wicked flinch Elaine could not suppress, and he tightened his hold. “Why do you support me? Why not abandon me to the sharks?”

With a subtle shift, he pressed his lips to her forehead. “Because I care for you.”

A chorus of fanciful cherubs materialized in her brain, and she would have joined in their victorious harmony with an enthusiastic
hallelujah
, if not for the interlopers that intruded on the cherished moment. “Then give us a chance.”

“No.”

Oh, the savage but unsurprising disappointment. “Why not?”

“Because far better prospects abound for a lady of character.”

“I disagree.”

“The music stopped.”

“You change the subject.”

“They just announced dinner, so you should return to the gathering, before someone notes your absence.” With that, he unceremoniously thrust her into the arena.

“Traitor.” In seconds, she stumbled into the soft glow of the chandeliers and blinked.

“My dear Lady Elaine, what are you doing all alone at one of my parties?” The hostess, Beryl Hogart, wrapped an arm about Elaine’s shoulders. “And I pride myself on ensuring every guest is entertained.”

“But I am fine, Mrs. Hogart, and I am not alone.” Inwardly, Elaine cursed Ross, even as she smiled and patted the back of Beryl’s hand. “The Marchioness of Raynesford is my chaperone for the night, and I need only locate her.”

“What?” The awkward grand dame frowned. “Permit an estimable noble, such as yourself, to hold court with only your family connection?” She snorted. “I should sooner surrender my vouchers for Almack’s than commit such a breach in courtesy.”

“Well I should sooner burn my favorite bonnet than impose on your unrivaled hospitality.” Elaine could have choked on that lie, as she must have been insane to accept the invitation. “And my needs are small.”

“I will not have it.” Beryl snapped her fingers. “And I know just the thing to fulfill my obligation. What we require is a suitable partner, to sweep you off your feet, and my matchmaking skills are legendary.”

More like notorious.

“Please, I do not wish to burden you, when your responsibilities are numerous.” Elaine tried to break free, but Beryl only tightened her grip. “I can make my own way.”